Question: My husband is a Filipino currently working in Dubai, while I am based in the Philippines. Now, I suspect that he maintains an illicit relationship with another Filipina and is living in with her. Can I report them to Dubai authorities, and file a case against them while I am in the Philippines?
Answer:
Ashish Mehta, founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates, who maintains a column Legal View at The Khaleej Times, notes that engaging in an extramarital affair or a sexual relationship outside of marriage or cites Article 356 of Federal Law No 3 of 1987.
“Anyone indulging in the crime of indecent assault with mutual consent shall be punished by detention for at least one year. However, if the crime is committed against a male or female who is under fourteen years of age, or if the crime is committed by coercion, it shall be punished by temporary imprisonment.”
Mehta advises that if the suspicion has proof or merit, wives in the Philippines may consider filing a complaint against the unfaithful husband and his alleged mistress. Mehta adds that it is possible to seek the help of Dubai Police’s Al Ameen service which confidentially receives complaints or reports of criminal activity. Another option is to channel the complaint against the husband through a lawyer. However, authorities may require the plaintiff to be present to submit the complaint.